On Monday 9th September, Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute in Parliament to the Honourable Tim Fischer AC, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, and has committed to honouring his memory and remarkable legacy by funding a perpetual scholarship in his name.

“Tim will also be remembered for his tireless advocacy of one of our greatest soldiers, General Sir John Monash and it is fitting that Tim Fischer’s name will now join with that of Monash in a perpetual scholarship to be supported by the Government. The Tim Fischer John Monash Scholarship will be awarded each year by the John Monash Foundation to a worthy scholar from a rural or regional background, to follow in his very big footsteps. It is a lasting legacy that pays tribute to Tim’s belief in education, service, leadership, but most of all his passion for the future of regional Australia.”

The Foundation could not be more grateful for having the opportunity to ensure the legacy of Tim Fischer will continue through the John Monash Scholars fortunate to carry his named scholarship. Tim Fisher has long been a friend of the Foundation and played an integral role in the very founding of the scholarships. Tim was the guest speaker at the Institute of Engineers function in Melbourne, early in 2000, when the concept for the ‘John Monash Awards’ was first intimated. A few months later, Ken Crompton, the Foundation’s inaugural CEO, prepared a detailed paper that was taken to Canberra and presented to Tim. Shortly afterwards Tim joined the Steering Committee and the following year assisted General Peter Gration AC OBE (Retd) and Ken Crompton to gain support from the Prime Minister at the time, the Hon John Howard MP, to establish the John Monash Scholarships.

Following the formation of the Foundation in December 2001, Tim joined the Board of Directors and remained a lifelong and enthusiastic supporter and public advocate.

Tim attended as many Foundation AGMs, Presentation Ceremonies and John Monash Orations as his health permitted. He personally researched and unearthed extensive material and unique perspectives about Monash with the perception of a soldier and a politician. His book Maestro John Monash: Australia’s Greatest Citizen General was published five years ago in 2014 and he generously dedicated proceeds from sales to the Foundation.

The General Sir John Monash Foundation will ensure that the Tim Fischer John Monash Scholarships are diligently awarded to deserving Australians who will play a key role in contributing to a thriving future for rural and regional Australia. Tim Fischer would be so proud to see his legacy honoured in this Scholarship carrying his name.

Learn about the General Sir John Monash Foundation at www.johnmonash.com
For more information contact:
Annemarie Rolls, CEO +61 3 9621 1245